Ancient Sparta

The ruins of the powerful Greek city-state on the Peloponnese, with earliest settlement evidence from the 10th century BC when four villages merged into one community. Sparta dominated Greek military affairs from the late 7th century BC through the Greco-Persian Wars. Surviving remains include the Temple of Artemis Orthia (9th-10th c. BC foundations), the sanctuary of Athena on the acropolis, a Roman-era stoa, and a theatre, though most visible ruins date to the Roman period.